Know your Family’s Health History: A Key to Better Health
Understanding your family’s health history is a vital step in taking control of you own health. Think of it as another tool to help you live a long a healthy life. Your family’s medical background can guide your Blue Primary Care Provider in recommending the right screening tests for you and determining the best timing for those tests. If you family has a history of chronic diseases – such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes – you may have an increased risk of developing those conditions as well.
For instance, if a parent or sibling was diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, your Blue Primary Care Provider may recommend genetic counseling to help determine whether genetic testing is appropriate. Dr. Lee Greer, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, emphasizes the importance of this approach.
“Genetic testing is evolving,” Dr. Greer says. “But genetic counseling plays a crucial role in oncology care. Patients diagnosed with cancer at an early age may have underlying genetic factors that not only influence their treatment options but also help inform other family members about their potential risks.”
Dr. Greer also points out that many diseases have hereditary traits, which patients may not always recognize.
“Conditions like early-onset dementia, Huntington’s disease and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease often run in families,” he explains. “Sharing this information with your Provider is essential – not just for your own health, but also for helping your children and other family members understand their risks and take preventive actions.”
By identifying disease early, you may be able to maintain better health for longer. But how do you start the conversation with your family? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests asking your family members the following key questions:
- Do you have any chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
- Have you been diagnosed with any other series illness, such as cancer or stroke? If so, what type of cancer, and at what age were you diagnosed?
- What is our family’s ancestry? From which countries did our ancestors originate?
- What were the causes and ages of death for relatives or have passed away?
While have a family history of health conditions doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the same diseases, it’s important to be aware of your risks. You can’t change your family’s medical history, but you can make lifestyle changes to lower your risks – such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, prioritizing regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
Key Steps to Take:
- Track your family’s health history: Use tools like My Family Health Portrait, a free web-based resource, to record and maintain this important information.
- Share your history: Be sure to tell you Blue Primary Care Provider about your family’s health history during your visits.
- Communicate with your family: Inform your relatives if you have a chronic condition that may affect them as well.
- Act on your knowledge: Use your family health history to make informed decisions and take proactive steps for your health.
By staying informed and acting on your family’s health history, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting your future well-being.
Sources:
BCBSMS CMO, Dr. Lee Greer
CDC
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